‘Over 65,000 new cancer cases reported annually in state’: Veena George on Kerala cancer campaign’

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM(Kerala): Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Friday highlighted the rising number of cancer cases in the state, revealing that over 65,000 new cancer cases are reported annually in Kerala, despite high health literacy, many patients seek treatment only in advanced stages of the disease.

She further urged the citizens to be screened early and do the daily checkups as she said, “We urge people to get screened early and reduce the fear and stigma associated with cancer.”

Speaking to ANI, Kerala Health Minister Veena George talked about the ongoing Kerala cancer awareness campaign. She said, “The first month of the campaign is dedicated to women, with screening facilities set up across all family health centers. Currently, there are 1,392 government hospitals offering screening, from family health centers to medical colleges and regional cancer centers. We also have facilities in district and general hospitals. As of today, over 418,000 screenings have been conducted, leading to the identification of 78 new cancer cases.”

The campaign includes public health centers, private hospitals, NGOs, and celebrities. Manju Warrier, a popular actress, is serving as the campaign’s goodwill ambassador. The government is also decentralizing cancer treatment by expanding facilities to 28 new hospitals across the state.

Kerala has committed to enhancing cancer care infrastructure with new developments at the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), including a Rs 190 crore project that will be inaugurated in May 2025.

“Previously, cancer treatment was only available at medical colleges and regional cancer centers. However, we have now decentralized these services, expanding cancer treatment to 28 additional hospitals. At the Regional Cancer Center (RCC), we have developed new infrastructure, and a Rs 190 crore project at CCRC will be inaugurated in May, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, we are enhancing infrastructure at medical colleges to further improve and decentralize cancer care across the state,” George said.

Minister George also highlighted the role of ASHA workers in promoting health awareness. “ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists) is a central scheme, but the government has not officially recognised them as workers, only as activists. Trade unions and the state government are advocating for better recognition of their roles and responsibilities. Currently, we have 26,125 ASHAs working across the state. They play a crucial role in programs like immunisation, ensuring children receive vaccines. ASHAs receive an honorarium of Rs 7,000 and a fixed incentive of Rs 3,000 (60% from the Union Government and 40% from the State Government). Additional incentives are provided for specific activities, such as immunisation and health reports. In Kerala, ASHAs receive around Rs 13,500, with Rs 9,600 from the state government and Rs 3,900 from the Union government. Some ASHAs also earn up to Rs 14,000 per month,” she said.

The Kerala government launched a 12-month cancer awareness campaign on World Cancer Day, February 4, to combat the rising number of cancer cases in the state. (ANI)